Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Argentine counterpart, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, have agreed to upgrade bilateral ties between the two nations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

During his state visit to the country, Xi said that bilateral cooperation has made tremendous progress since the two countries established a strategic partnership ten years ago. Xi added on Friday that the two sides have decided to lift their relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He pointed out the two sides should promote stable and balanced growth in bilateral trade, actively boost cooperation in such fields as gas, mining industry, agriculture and nuclear power, and deepen strategic cooperation in infrastructure construction and finance.

The Argentine President said the two countries share similar stands on a number of major issues. She said Argentina admires China’s development, and is willing to learn from its successful experiences. Following their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a joint statement and a series of bilateral cooperation deals.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during a welcoming ceremony before their talks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 18, 2014. Xi and his Argentine counterpart, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, agreed here Friday to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner during the signing of a joint statement after their talks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 18, 2014. Xi and his Argentine counterpart, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, agreed here Friday to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)